Average Rent in Trenton, NJ↑ Rents rising 15.0% YoY

Trenton, NJ has rental prices ranging from $1,561/month to $3,081/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,764/month — 26% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $96,333/year, spending $1,764/month on a 1-bedroom represents 22% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Trenton Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $2,242/month, Trenton ranks #5 most expensive of the 11 cities tracked in New Jersey — pricier than 98% of all US cities in our data.

The Trenton Rental Market

The Trenton, NJ area has a population of about 383,286 and 38% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Trenton, NJ have risen by $292/month (15.0%) over the past year, from $1,950 to $2,242. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Trenton, NJ without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $70,560. The local median household income of $96,333 exceeds that threshold by $25,773, making Trenton relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Trenton, NJ is $343,291, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 12.8. The break-even point between renting and buying is roughly 13 years — renting offers more flexibility for shorter stays, while buying makes more sense for long-term residents.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Trenton's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Battle Monument ($158,815 median home value), East Trenton ($160,590 median home value), North Trenton ($161,672 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Trenton, NJ Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Trenton?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Trenton

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.